Reminder: Feb 22 is the last day to register to vote in Presidential Preference Primary. Registration forms can be picked up at your local post office, motor vehicle licensing office, GOP office or contact your local club or legislative district chairman.

Hillary's 'Wiggle Room'The Republican National Committee’s most recent video takes a shot a Hillary Clinton’s honesty problem, highlighting several of the past statements which have caused a problem for her campaign. In the video, Clinton’s interview with CBS’ Scott Pelley is crossed with her statements about the transfer of classified emails on a private network and the terrorist attacks in Benghazi during her tenure as Secretary of State.

LD25 Sen Bob Worsley is going for a third term to represent a large section of Mesa. Worsley, who has lived in the East Valley for some 32 years, has six children and 24 grandchildren, is the founder of SkyMall

The Word Is Out That Former Sen Steve Pierce of Prescott is considering tossing his hat into the already overcrowded CD1 race. That should make that race even more interesting. Former Secretary of State Ken Bennett, formerly of Prescott, is also vying for the position. Fellow rancher Gary Kiehne has been campaigning for at least a year. And Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is also after that seat. By the way, does Pierce live in CD1 or CD4??? Babeu recently filed in the wrong CD.

Longtime GOP activist Ross Groen, is planning to take on Dem incumbent Kyrsten Sinema for the CD9 seat. In case you don’t remember, he worked for the Goldwater Institute before going to Washington DC as Congressman Trent Franks legislative assistant on military and other things. Upon returning to Arizona, he hooked up with then Maricopa County Attorney Andy Thomas as a policy analyst. He was Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s campaigner before moving to a brief time with NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. Groen, who returned to Arizona in the fall of 2015 is facing GOP’s Gilbert businessman David Giles for the primary.

Activist Jim Ehl: In today’s newspaper there is a front page article concerning Mr. Patrick Whortor’s quest to securing at least 300,000 petition signatures for an initiative of the 30 August ballot. The article open-primary-would-benefit-independent-voters goes on to say that there are more Independent voters in Arizona than Democrats or Republicans. with 36% as opposed to 34% for Republicans and 28% for Democrats and the change would benefit the independents. Why are there more and more Independents?? Go figger! What in the hell does the AZ GOP have to offer?? Without providing leadership and information to the Republican party, not holding any of the elected elite accountable for party values and allowing them to vote as Independents, and acting as a secondary campaign committee after the primaries supporting only those who may win in the general election, how does any of that provide leadership for the party? Some readers of the Arizona Town Crier have already confessed that they have changed to Independent, including one who was at one time a LD chairman. As Ben Franklin said, words to the effect that if we don’t all hang together then we may hang separately. If we don’t replace the AZ GOP leadership with conservative leadership, then we are still headed down hill like a show ball headed for hell. “Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: “A political party (from Latin: pars, Genitive partis, "part", "portion") is a political organization that typically seeks to influence, or entirely control, government policy, usually by nominating candidates with aligned political views and trying to seat them in political office.[1] Parties participate in electoral campaigns and educational outreach or protest actions. Parties often espouse an ideology or vision, expressed in a party program, bolstered by a written platform with specific goals, forming a coalition among disparate interests”

LD24 will meet at 6:30 pm., Thurs., March 17 in the AZGOP Headquarters Building at 3501 N. 24th St., Phoenix. The Executive Committee of the District will meet just prior to the opening ofthe general meeting each month. Note - new time change for 2016 meetings is 6:30 pm.

Worse-Than-A-Cannibals-Talking-Vegetarianism “Anytime a politician speaks about morality, I laugh. Here’s a guy who sponges off the rest of us, makes promises he cannot keep, and compels us to obey his whims. A politician wouldn’t know morality if it walked up and handed him a bribe — sorry, campaign contribution….”

Observances for Scalia. The body of late Justice Antonin Scalia lay in repose in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court building. President Obama and the first lady, along with members of the public, stopped by to pay their respects. (Bill Chappell, NPR)

Obama Dances On Graves Of Patriots Killed By Castors... This week has again underscored the true colors of our president and commander in chief, Barack Hussein Obama – a man so hate-filled for anyone who disagrees with his borderline Marxist ideology that he would make it a point to not even show up for the funeral of conservative icon justice of the Supreme Court, Antonin Scalia. But not to be undone in the obvious insult to the deceased justice, his family and those Americans who believe in the Constitution, which Scalia worked tirelessly and bravely to preserve, Obama has instead chosen to take a "vacation" next week in the communist hellhole of Cuba. Bowing down to Raul and Fidel Castro, much like the "Muslim in chief" bowed down to the Saudi king at the outset of his administration, Obama chose a date to visit these Hitleresque dictators which perhaps not coincidentally closely coincides with the shoot-down by the Castros' air force of four Brothers to the Rescue on Feb. 24, 1996…

The Arizona Supreme Court has appointed Maria Elena Cruz as the Presiding Judge for Yuma County. She is replacing retiring Judge John Nelson on March 25. She has been a Yuma County Superior Court judge, a Cocopah Indian Tribe judge, a deputy county attorney, a deputy legal defender and in private practice. Her term will expire June 30, 2019.

Unaccompanied Immigrant Children - Between Oct. 2010 and Sep. 2015, the US Border Patrol apprehended 206,669 unaccompanied immigrant children crossing into the United States. Over 92% of the children were from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. About 72% of the children were male, and approximately 72% were 15 to 17 years old.

The West Valley GOP office is offering “The American Heritage Series” with Historian David Barton between 1-3 pm., Monday afternoons during February. Sessions are scheduled Feb 22, and 29 at 10050 W Bell Road Sun City AZ 895351. Contact: Bonnie Angster at 623-815-8557 or 623-977-4532.

ATTN Club Chairmen/Secretaries: Please include the time and location of your event, as well as a contact name, phone or e-mail when submitting event announcements. Thanks for your cooperation. – Editor Frosty Taylor.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas today called on the State Board of Education (SBE) to enter into court-supervised mediation to resolve the lawsuits between SBE and the Arizona Department of Education, explaining that she has clearly spelled out her opposition to SB 1416 in two letters to members of the state legislature. “I wanted to reach out personally on an issue very important to me and to the future of Arizona,” Douglas said in her latest correspondence to the legislature on Feb. 9. In the letter, Douglas said she would like to de-escalate the disagreement with SBE through court mediation and is prepared to immediately start that process. However, she said, SBE has, to this point, refused to consider that option.The Superintendent is appreciative of efforts by multiple senators to bring both parties to the negotiating table. She stands ready to mediate the issue, preferably through the court, so that future litigation can be avoided. She stated she is confident that once the court acts, the matter will be quickly resolved.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement on today’s court-ordered release of emails from Hillary Clinton’s secret server, which brought the total number containing classified information to more than 1,720: “Every court-ordered release of Hillary Clinton’s emails is yet another reminder of just how recklessly she handled classified material and jeopardized national security. Hillary Clinton’s friends at the State Department continue to try and shield the Clinton culture of deceit by shamelessly scheduling a document dump for a Friday night. With State Department and FBI investigations into her email in full swing, it’s no wonder Americans increasingly see her as too dishonest and untrustworthy to be president, and voters caucusing in Nevada this Saturday will have the opportunity to hold her accountable for her secrecy and poor judgment.”

Senate Conservatives Action President Ken Cuccinelli II: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's passing is a great loss for America. President Obama must not be allowed to fill this vacancy. The president has trampled on the Constitution, and Americans want a say in this decision. It is now up to Senate Republicans to ignore the coming nomination, stand on principle, and withstand the Democrats’ attacks. Unfortunately, most Senate Republicans have no spine and are guaranteed to cave unless the grassroots unite. Please call these eight senators today. Republicans plan to meet early next week to decide on their strategy so they need to hear from you now. After you complete your calls, please fill out our feedback form so we know how many calls were made to each senator.1. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – (202) 224-2541 The Senate Majority Leader has vowed to block the nomination, but we he can't be trusted. McConnell’s mission is to cut deals with the Democrats and he has repeatedly allowed bad legislation to be passed that he claimed he opposed. Let McConnell know that we will hold him personally responsible if Senate Republicans betray us once again. And we won't be fooled if he plays "failure theater" and pretends to oppose the nomination while allowing other senators to push it forward.2. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) – (202) 224-3744 Grassley is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and he is not required to hold any hearings on the president's future nominee. If Senate Republicans have no plans to confirm the nomination, there is no reason to hold hearings that elevate the nominee.3. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) – (202) 224-52514. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) – (202) 224-59725. John Cornyn (R-TX) – (202) 224-29346. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) – (202) 224-45217. David Perdue (R-GA) – (202) 224-35218. Thom Tillis (R-NC) – (202) 224-6342They have all been programmed by McConnell to think they have to compromise with the Democrats. Blocking this nomination will require Republicans to throw that excuse out the window.

The Tempe Republican Women will meet at 6:30 pm., Mon., Feb 22 at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center in Tempe to hear firearms expert Alan Korwin address the Second Amendment and gun owners rights in an increasingly hostile government.

Americans for Prosperity is offering a free six-week grassroots leadership certification course starting Feb 23. Every class is free and includes dinner, as well as a variety of experts to teach you the skills of organizing. Sign up for our Phoenix class today.

The Fountain Hills Republican Club meets at 9 am, Sat., Feb 20 in the FH Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr., to hear US Senator John McCain. A meet and greet social period starts at 8:30 am with breakfast snacks.

Arrowhead Republican Women is sponsoring a Candidates Forum between 2-5 pm., June 11 at Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave., Sun City West. All candidate's running for office in Maricopa County, Arizona & National offices will have an opportunity to speak, followed by a ‘question/answer’ time. A 3:30 pm break is scheduled. This will be an opportunity for all to see the candidates altogether in one room. Finger food to be served. Cash Bar for drinks. No admission fee. The event will be video taped, so the candidates can use it for their own promotions. All Republicans Welcome. Contact: Jan Martinson 623-546-3753 or jlmart15102@aol.com.

Go to US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward’s web site at kelliward.com/ar15 to sign up for a chance to win a custom Kelli Ward AR-15.

US Congressmen Sponsor A Congressional Art Competition each spring, recognizing young artists within their home congressional districts. Entry deadline is April 8, 2016. Winners art work is displayed for one year in the US Capitol complex in Washington, DC. For entry information go HERE.

Congressman Paul Gosar is sponsoring an Easter Card competition open to children age 13 and younger. Submissions should be free-hand art celebrating Easter on paper no larger than 8.5”x11”. Entry deadline Mon, MARCH 7. Winners will be announced in April. Submit entries via email to Teresa.Martinez@mail.house.gov Or mail to Congressman Paul Gosar, 6499 W. Kings Ranch Road #4, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. Information: call 480-882-2697.

ATTN Candidates: Plans are underway for the Sun City West Republican Club Spring “Candidates Forum” that will feature national, state, and LD22 candidates running in 2016. Candidates are asked to contact Forum Chairman Jan Martinson at jlmart15102@aol.com or 623-546-3753 for a spot on the agenda. Put “Candidates Forum” on the subject line. The event will be video-taped so you can use it for promotion. No charge for candidate participation. It’s an opportunity for candidates to speak to at least 200 people at one time. For details call Martinson at 623-546-3753.

Volunteers Needed: The Arizona Donald Trump Team is looking for volunteers to work phone banks and distribute campaign material. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Thayer Verschoor at tverschoor@donaldtrump.com or 602 703 0266.

"Fountain Hills Republican Club will meet at 9 am, Sat., Feb 20 in the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr, FH, with US Senator John McCain as the keynote speaker. The East Valley Young Marines will Present the Colors during the meeting. 8:30am Meet and Greet with light breakfast snacks. Admission is free. Contact: Boe James, Secretary at FHRepublican@gmail.com or http://www.FHRepublicaClub.org

Gosar Goes To Wickenburg: A Wickenburg “Congress, Cops & Coffee” will be conducted by Congressman Paul Gosar between 9-10 am, Mon., Feb 22 at the Chaparral Homemade Ice Cream Shop. He will conduct a open to the public “Small Business Roundtable” between 1:30-2:30 pm at the Wickenburg Town Hall Building, 144 N Tegner. And he will address the Wickenburg Republican Club at 7 pm. in the Lifeline Ambulance Training Center, 1155 N Tegner. Contact: WRC Chr Frosty Taylor at frostytaylor@cox.net or Gosar 480-882-2697 www.gosar.house.gov.

The Western Pinal County Chapter of The Arizona Republican Assembly (AzRA) will meet at 6:30 pm, Mon, Feb 22 at 408 N Sacton St., #11, Casa Grande, AZ to hear speaker Jason Hayes, Associate Director of the American Coal Council & Editor-in-Chief, American Coal magazine. Bring family and friends. ContactHayes (202) 394-7202jason@jasonhayes.orgwpcc.azra@gmail.com

The American Heritage DVD series by historian David Barton of Wallbuilders will be presented between 1-3 pm., Feb. 22 and 29 at the AZ GOP Headquarters West Valley office, 10050 W. Bell Rd. Suite 50. Free to public. Call 623-815-8557 or 623-977-4532 . Facilitated by living history presenter Bonnie Angster. Series will focus on the Constitution, the Judiciary, Education and Black History.

Reception In Southern Arizona for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is scheduled Feb 23. The MCSF has been in operation for 53 years. Last year it gave out $7,000,000 to children of Marines that enabled them to go to college. The operation is in full swing in the Phoenix area and they are trying to raise awareness of this program in southern Arizona. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is a nationwide organization but the money raised in Arizona goes first to Arizona kids. They are looking for more applicants in southern Arizona for the scholarships. RSVP to Ashleyashley.shaklee@datocwitten.com. Free admission and parking. www.mcsf.org.

LD17 will meet at 7 pm., Tues., Feb 23 to hear Rep JD Mesnard’s presentation on proposed legislation to replace the electoral college with the National Popular Vote (NPV) for the President election . Sen Majority Leader Steve Yarbrough will give a legislative update. This will be the last meeting prior to the LDs March 29 state delegation election. Details for the March 29 meeting will be provided at the Feb 12 meeting, according to Chr Shadow Asgar. LD17 meetings are held at the Tri-City Baptist Church Seminary Building (smaller building on south sideof parking lot), 2211 W. Germann Road Chandler, AZ 85286 Contact: Asgar at LD17shadow@gmail.com

Feb 25

The Maricopa Republican Club meets 10am, Thurs., Feb. 25 at Villages Community Center, City of Maricopa.

Feb 26

The Sun City West Republican Club will meet on Sat., Feb 6, 2016 at the SCW Foundations building (Quail Room) 14465 R.H.Johnson Blvd, Sun City West. Former LD5 Senator Dr Kelli Ward will address the group on her campaign against US Senate John McCain. Doors open at 8 am with coffee and donuts; the general meeting at 8:30am. $2 donation which helps with the room rental. Contact: Publicist Jean Goncalves 623-214-8010.

George and Darla Grove are hosting a ‘Meet The Candidates’ gathering for CD1 candidate Gary Kiehne and US Senate candidate Kelli Ward at 5:30 pm., Fri., Feb 26 at 63791 East Cat Claw Lanen, SaddleBrooke, AZ. RSVP to ggrove7@earthlink.net or 520-818-1144

Lost Dutchman Days are scheduled Feb 26-28 in Apache Junction. Parade on Saturday Feb 26.